Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Collaborate to Combat Slavery and Human Trafficking

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau joined forces with representatives from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Marion Police Department, Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Enforcement and Cedar Rapids Gives to reinforce their commitment to combat all forms of slavery and to assist victims of this heinous crime. 

President Barack Obama proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.  In his proclamation, the President stated that all nations have a part to play in keeping our world safe for all people and that this month we should recognize the victims of trafficking.  He further stated, “Let us resolve to build a future in which its perpetrators are brought to justice and no people are denied their inherent human rights of freedom and dignity.”

Last year the United States Attorney’s Office partnered with Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement to bring awareness to this issue.  They engaged truck drivers at two Waterloo truck stops to discuss the criminal enterprise of human trafficking.  This was in support of the Truckers Against Trafficking (or TAT) initiative.  TAT is a nonprofit organization created to bring education, awareness and empowerment to truck drivers across the nation to spot and report signs of human trafficking. 

U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau stated during a press conference held at the Marion Police Department, “Human trafficking threatens lives globally and even happens in our state.  It happens every minute of every day.  Traffickers are sophisticated and use force, fraud or coercion to lure victims and then force them into labor or commercial sexual exploitation. These vulnerable victims need to be identified and rescued.” He further noted, “In addressing this scourge, we work best when we work together, and I thank our federal, state and local partners and Cedar Rapids Gives for joining us today to address this issue, not only during the investigative stage, but also providing the essential services after the investigation is complete.”  Techau offered a special thank you to Christi Geisler, herself a victim-survivor of human trafficking, for sharing her thoughts.

Highlighted during the press conference was the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign.  “HSI investigates international and domestic cases of human trafficking and provides support to victims,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge William Lowder of HSI St. Paul.  “Our special agents accomplish this through the use of our unique authorities and expertise stripping away the traffickers’ assets and profit incentives, and working with U.S. and foreign partners to attack networks worldwide and working in partnership with non-governmental organizations to identify, rescue, and provide assistance to trafficking victims.”  Informational material used in the Blue Campaign was made available.  To learn more visit: http://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign.

Marion Police Chief Harry R. Daugherty stated, “We recognize that this crime is not confined by geo/political boundaries.”  He further noted that, “This is why the Marion Police Department has taken a pro-active approach by crossing jurisdictional lines and working with other agencies, to bring justice to victims and by holding offenders responsible for their crimes.”

Chief David Lorenzen with Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement serves on the Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) national board and has been active in addressing this issue within the state. “It was common sense that thrust Iowa into becoming active in fighting this hideous criminal nightmare.  Our officers take this initiative seriously and interact with trucker drivers and concerned citizens daily.  We believe this program will have a positive impact.” 

Lorenzen recounted a recent tragic trafficking event involving a woman taken from the Des Moines area and trafficked at a truck stop in Virginia.  A truck driver working for a company training its drivers with TAT materials made a call to authorities when he saw something suspicious. His awareness was the result of his company’s culture and its commitment to train their drivers to be on the lookout for possible trafficking.  As a result of that call, the victim was rescued and the traffickers, also from the Des Moines area, were arrested and eventually convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison.  Chief Lorenzen concluded his comments stating, “We welcome the opportunity to enhance partnerships as we move forward.” Visit TAT at: http://www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org.

The President of Cedar Rapids Gives, Teresa Davidson, an NGO in Iowa with a mission to provide prevention, rescue and restoration to victims and survivors of sex and labor human trafficking, stated, “While it is critical to have law enforcement and legislation to investigate, rescue and prosecute these cases, it is also important to provide the specific and unique services survivors of human trafficking require.”  Cedar Rapids Gives is in the process of changing its name to “Iowa Stops Traffik” and is applying for a government grant to increase the amount of support and services it can provide human trafficking survivors in seven Iowa counties around Cedar Rapids.  The organization’s website is: www.cedarrapidsgives.org. 

Christi Geisler, herself a victim-survivor of human trafficking, spoke about how she was victimized and the signs law enforcement should look for when they come across a possible victim who might be too scared to seek help.  She also noted how these victims can be further victimized within the judicial system when there is a lack of understanding.  Geisler stated she was lucky to have a strong family support system when she was rescued, but not all victims have such support. Governmental and private support is essential for a successful return to normal life.

To learn more about victimization of this heinous crime and services that are available, visit DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs “Office for Victims of Crime” found at http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/humantrafficking/, and public service announcements:

http://www.dhs.gov/video/out-shadows-psa

http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/humantrafficking/publicawareness.html

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